Three weeks of travel can certainly throw you for a loop. One one hand, I was able to attend two conferences and attend a brand event, so business-wise, they were good trips. On the other hand, I’m internally off-balance after traveling three weeks in a row.
Good and bad. There were plenty of good things about these trips and I don’t regret for a second going on any of them. But, as is true with much in life, with the good comes the bad.
The Good
- I was very lucky to have been able to take my family along for both conferences. Though I was mostly attending the conferences, I did get to see them in the mornings and nights. This helped ease the “miss you” moments for both the kids and myself.
- I was able to meet new people, have great conversations, and learn from all three trips.
- I had time to reflect on several things and take advantage of some quiet time to be able to just think.
- I was able to learn more about this brand and find ways we can possibly work together in the future.
- I came home from the most recent trip feeling more calm and full of ideas, rather than feeling just tired. I’m still tired, but the feeling was lessened.
The Bad
- My routine was thrown off and is still off.
- I’m still catching up on work.
- My family missed me, and I missed them.
- My daughter, in particular, was affected by the most recent trip and shed some tears in class because she missed me.
- My head is spinning a bit from being in many places within such a short time, but in a good kind of way.
None of this is extreme or unmanageable. My girl’s classroom situation really affected me the day I received notice from her teacher. But, after talking with her about it and thinking it through, I realized that at least she was able to express her thoughts. I explained to her that it’s absolutely normal to feel that way and that I too missed her. She also realizes these trips are part of my work and describes them as such. I feel it’s good for her to see this side of me in addition to the other roles she sees me play at home.
There are months where I go without any travel, so in the end, all things even out. How do you balance out the good and the bad of business travel?
Photo: Highways Agency/Flickr
Thanks for the good and the bad perspectives. I’ve been able to manage most of my work virtually for the last several years, but I know the time will come sooner than later when I’ll need to take the long trips without the family. As you say, balance is the key.
How great you’ve been able to work remotely! It is about balance, as much as you can, at least.
Still trying to figure it out. I get so overwhelmed coordinating childcare and such when I’m out of town. It stinks. Thankfully three local conferences made my travels a little easier recently.
Yes childcare is hard. I try to trade with my sister. =)
That’s awesome!
The logistics of childcare, school pick-up/drop-off, and all other things that go into planning a trip, does get a bit overwhelming sometimes. I thought it was great there were so many Florida-based events this year!
Traveling is hard on my kids. I try to make the trips short ones – even if I have to fly a red eye. Some months there are no trip and other months I have 2 or 3 trips. I like to talk to them via Skype, leave little notes and a chocolate coin for them to eat each day and when the last coin is eaten mom is coming home. I also always bring them a little gift. =)
I used to feel bad about traveling but my husband travels and does not feel guilty because it is for work so why should I? I also try really hard to choose my trips carefully.
It’s tough, no doubt but it seems like a lot of good came out of the trips. I would have never advanced or gotten where I am as a blogger without travel and connecting to others in person.
That’s exactly it. Some months nothing and then out of nowhere you have a month with multiple trips back-to-back. I do choose trips carefully and turn down those that don’t make sense for me.